Exploring disaster ontologies from Chinese and Western perspectives: commonalities and nuances

Goodall, Susie; Li, Yajun; Chmutina, Ksenia; Dijkstra, Tom; Meng, Xingmin; Jordan, Colm. 2022 Exploring disaster ontologies from Chinese and Western perspectives: commonalities and nuances. Disaster Prevention and Management: An International Journal, 31 (3). 260-272. 10.1108/DPM-03-2021-0108

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Abstract/Summary

Purpose This paper explores ontological assumptions of disasters and introduces some concepts from Chinese disaster scholarship. The authors suggest an approach to explore and engage with different ontologies of disaster without direct comparison, that can further interdisciplinary and cross-cultural collaboration. Design/methodology/approach By reviewing the academic literature and focussing on two recent key translational texts by Chinese scholars, the authors show what can be revealed about ontology and the potential influence on thinking about human-environment interactions and disaster risk reduction (DRR) policy. Findings In Chinese disaster studies, the goal of a “harmonious human-environment relationship” is a foundational concept. There is a clear hierarchical and ontological distinction between humans and the natural ecological system viewed as an integrated whole, with underlying rules that can be discovered by scientific research to enable management of a harmonious relationship. Practical implications The authors suggest a practical way to begin with the following questions: What is the societal goal/aim? What is nature? What is society? How do these interact to create disasters? And what are the implications for DRR research and practice? The authors also demonstrate the importance of probing and understanding the underlying ontologies that are the foundation for theory, which in turn is the foundation for policy and action. Originality/value Identification of ontological differences in interdisciplinary and cross-cultural research collaborations and working across these boundaries is challenging and rarely questioned. Yet, as demonstrated here, considering ontological assumptions of the causes of disaster, within and across cultures and disciplines, is essential for collaboration and further research.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	10.1108/DPM-03-2021-0108
ISSN:	0965-3562
Date made live:	01 Aug 2022 10:16 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/533006

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